Duplex rail assembling elevator



y 1946. H. c. wAusoN ETAL I 2,401,125

DUPLEX RAIL ASSEMBLING' ELEVATOR Filed July 2, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 gwuc/wfow Horace C. Wauson Walter [-3. Bennett dr,

y 1946- H. c, wAusoN ET AL DUPLEX RAIL ASSEMBLING ELEVATOR Filed July 2, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Horaca C. We

Waiter E. Bennett 'cJr.

Patented May 28, 1946 DUPLEX RAIL ASSEMBLING ELEVATOR Horace C. Wauson and Walter E. Bennett, Jr., Houston, Tex., assignors of three-fourths to Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, Tex, a corporation of Texas, and one-fourth to said Bennett, J n

Application July 2, 1943, Serial No. 493,236

8 Claims. (Cl. 199-29) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in duplex rail assembling elevators, and particularly, to the upper rail thereof. T

One object of the invention is to provide an improved construction which is adapted to be used on any type of duplex rail assembling elevator r assembler and which is so arranged that manipulation as well as the degree of concentration on the part of the operator are reduced to a minimum.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved duplex rail assembler having an upper rail unit laterally retractile in the usual manner with the matrix-supporting portion thereof divided into several sections, whereby one section may be retracted independently of the other section to expose a portion of the lower rail and permit feeding of matrices directly upon said lower rail while said other section is sup,

porting previously composed matrices.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved upper rail unit for a duplex rail assembler formed of a plurality of sections which are so associated that the same may be moved simultaneously into and out of matrix-supporting position, one section being movable independently of the other sections so as to be retracted for direct feeding of matrices upon the lower rail, retraction of said other sections retracting all of the sections and subsequent projection of said independently movable section returning all of said sections to matrix-supporting position.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved upper rail unit, of the character described, having a primary matrix-supporting section and a bridging section retractile independently of and relative to the primary secor assembled upon said upper rail unit willbe moved beyond the bridging section so as to rest upon said primary section when it is desirable or necessary to retract said bridging section for the subsequent direct feeding of matrices onto the lower rail.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved upper rail unit of simple, economical construction, which may be mounted upon any type of duplex rail assembling elevator, and which eliminates the necessity for frequent manipulation of said assembling elevator.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more, readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings,

' wherein an example ofthe invention is shown,

tion, said primary section being movable Iongitudinally of said bridging section and being resiliently held against longitudinal movement so that when the bridging section is retracted for the feeding of matrices to the lower rail, the primary section is freely movable longitudinally away from the matrices being fed so that binding of said matrices between the feeding mechanism and the exposed end of said primary section is prevented.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved upper rail unit, of the character described, wherein the bridging section when projected in its normal position co-acts with the primary matrix-supporting section to support matrices in a raised or elevated. position, said brid ing section being of a width Suificient to support only a single matrix whereby matrices composed and wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the forward por tion of a, duplex rail assembling elevatoror assembler having an upper rail unit constructed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of the portion of the assembler shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, sectional View, taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1, showing a matrix supported on the upper rail unit,

Figure 5 is an enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, sectional View, taken on the line 5--'5 of Figure 3, showing the resilient mounting of one section of the upper rail unit, 1

Figure '6 is an isometric view of the upper rail unit showing the relationship of its sections,

Figure 7 is a view, similar to Figure 6, showing the bridging section retracted, and the resilientlymounted section moved away from said bridging section, and

Figure 8 is a similar view showing the resiliently-mounted section returned to its normal position. i

In the drawings, the numeral l0 designates the frame of the forward portion of an assembling elevator 0r assembler which includes a horizontal body or head I I having an oifset depending shank l2. In order to reduce the weight of the shank, the central portion thereof is cut out in the usual manner. the lower portionof the shank l2 for receiving a suitable bolt (not shown) so that the frame may An opening I3 is formed in shown'), A lower rail M, of conventional construction, is preferably made integral with the rear face of the head H adjacent its upper surface as shown in Figure 4, said upper surface being substantially flat for receiving an upper rail unit A. A retaining bar l5 overlies the upper rail unit A and is secured to the head I l by suitable screws [6, whereby said unit is confined between the bar and the upper surface of said head. For properly spacing the bar relativ to the head, a small bearing block ll may be interposed therebetween, or made integral with one or the other.

and is positioned at each end of the unit A as shown in Figures 1 and 5.

The usual gate l8 extends longitudinally above the frame l0 so as to overlie the head H and is pivotally secured thereto by upstanding arms or end members i9. A matrixdelivery throat 2!] is disposed adjacent the right hand end of the frame and a star wheel 2i is positioned therebelow in the conventional manner. The star wheel is adapted to be constantly rotated for controlling the feeding of matrices M from the throat 20 to the rails of the assembler and has its shaft 22 extending parallel and transversely at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of said assembler so that the plane of rotation thereof is also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembler.

The upper rail unit A is slidable laterally or transversely upon the flat upper surface of the head II and has its forward edge portion projecting beyond the forward face thereof, as is clearly shown in Figure 4; This lateral or transverse sliding movement of the unit A will project and retract the rear edge portion of said assembly relative to the rear face of the head i I. For laterally moving or retracting, the unit, a shaft or rod 23, having a hand lever 24 secured thereto, is disposed forwardly of the head below said unit and is rotatably journaled within suitable bearing collars 2.5 which are preferably formed integral with said head. Actuating arms 26 are carried by the shaft 23 and have their upper ends engaging within openings 2! formed in the rear edge portion of the unit. Thus, upon swinging of the lever 24, the shaft 23 will be turned or rotated and a lateral or transverse sliding movement will be imparted to the unit due to the arms 26 engaging within the openingQZ'i', A lug 28 is formed on the upper end of the lever for engaging the forward face of the head'so as to limit turning of the shaft and inward or rearward movement of the unit. I

As is clearly shown in Figures 6, '7 and 8, the unit A is fiat and preferably composed of three independent sections, a main section 30", a primary matrix-supporting section or rail 3! and a bridging section or element 32. The section 30 has the openings 27 formed therein and consists of an elongate rectangular plate or member having an angular arm or leg 33 projecting from each end thereof at its inner or rear edge portion. Each leg 33 is disposed in the same plane as the plate 36 and has its outer or flange portion 34 extending inwardly parallel to said plate,

7 whereby a recess 35 is formed between each flange and the plate. .A complementary, parallel rib or tongue 36 i provided on the forward edge portion of the section 3! for engaging within the recesses 35 and the provision of such rib forms complementary recess 31 in said section, which recesses are engaged by the flanges 34 of the legs 33. The rib 36 extends parallel to and in, horizontal alinement with its section 3!, being preferably made integral therewith. Due to the inoer-connection between the plate 30 and section 3|, it is manifest that transverse movement of the former will result in a similar movement of the latter.

The rib 35 is of less length than the distance between the recesses 35 and the distance between the flanges 34 of the legs 33 is greater than the distance between the recesses 31, whereby longitudinal movement of the section 3| relative to the plate 30 is permitted as illustrated in Figures '7 and 8. Each end of the section is offset so as to provide a lug 33 at the rear edge portion of said section which projects endwise or longitudinally beyond the end of the plate, the remaining end portion of said section being alined with the end of said plate. As is clearly shown in Figure 4, the section 3! normally projects beyond the rear surface of the head i i so as to serve as an upper rail.

For. normall maintaining the rail Si in the relative position shown in Figures 6 and 8, a coiled Or helical spring 39 is disposed above said rail and has one end connected thereto by a pin or post 49 which may extend therethrough, The opposite end of the spring 39 is attached to a similar pin or post 4| projecting through and depending from the retaining bar i5, whereb said spring is constantly exerting its force or tension to urge the rail to the right and hold the same in the position shown in Figures 6 and 8. A recess 42 is formed in the lower surface of the bar 15 for accommodating the spring 39 and the posts 49 and M. Thus, whenever the rail is moved toward the left, the spring will be constantly urging the same in the opposite direction and will move said rail in such direction upon release thereof.

The bridging element or section 32 extends transversely along the right hand end of the plate 3i! adjacent the star Wheel 25 and is of a length slightly greater than the combined width of said bar and its leg 33, whereby the rear end of said member projects beyond the leg so as to engage the forward surface of the right hand offset lug 38 of the rail 3|. An offset, preferably rectangular lug or tongue 43 projects rearwardly from the bridging element at its outer edge portion and its inner surface engages the outer end of the right hand lug 33 when the rear end of said element is engaging the forward surface of said lug. Although the particular shape of the tongue is not essential, the same should be only of a width sufficient to support a single matrix M. In this position of the bridging element, the rear marginal edge of the tongue will be alined with the longitudinal edge of the rail 3| and its lugs so as to form a continuation thereof. The forward end of the element projects beyond the forward edge of the plate 30 and has a lateral flange or lip A4 formed thereon for engaging said forward edge, Thus, retraction of the plate 3!] and rail 31 will result in retraction of the bridging element 32.

For moving the element laterally of the head H and independently of the other sections of the unit A, a lever 45 is journaled upon the shaft 23 and is provided with an upstanding arm 46 which is adapted to engage within an opening 41 formed in the forward edge portion of said element. By rocking the lever 45 upon the shaft 23, the arm 46 may be swung forwardly and rearwardly so as to move or slide the element in similar directions. Due to the provision of the lateral lip 44, rearward or reverse movement of the element will slide the other sections of the unit A rearwardly in the event that the same have been moved forwardly. Thus, the sections of the unit may be moved together in a forward direction by manipulating the lever 24 and in the opposite direction by means of the lever 45.

A leaf or flat spring 48 is disposed within the recess 42, being carried by the post 4!, for frictionally engaging the upper surface of the element 32 so as to prevent unintentional or accidental movement thereof. In order to prevent similar movement of the unit A, one or more spring-pressed balls 49 are mounted in the upper surface of the head I I so as to engage the under surface of said unit and are preferably disposed beneath theplate 38 with each ball engaging within a complementary depression or recess 50 when said plate is in its rearwardmost position.

In the operation of the assembler, matrices M are fed through the throat 20 and willbe guided onto the rails by the star wheel 2| in the usual manner. When the upper rail unit A is in the position shown in Figures 1 through 6, the matrices will be supported upon and moved to the left along the rail 3| away from the throat and star wheel as additional matrices are fed and directed onto said rail. Whenever it is desired to feed one or more matrices onto the lower rail M, the lever 45 is rocked upon the shaft 23 so as to swing the arm 46 forwardly and retract the bridging element 32 with its tongue 43. As is shown in Figure 8, the retraction of the bridging element will leave a space or opening at the right hand end of the rail 3| adjacent the star wheel, which space or opening is of sufiicient width to accommodate only a single matrix M. Thus, whenever the bridging element is retracted, matrices will be fed directly upon the lower rail l4.

Due to the narrow width of the bridging tongue, the star wheel will normally kick or move the matrices assembled upon the upper rail unit beyond said tongue so that said matrices will be supported by the rail 3!. This movement to the left of the assembled matrices will be materially assisted by the conventional space-band (not shown) which will be usually interposed between each change of type and the weight and. size of which will cause said assembled matrices to move further to the left, whereby no matrices will be resting upon the tongue 43 upon retraction of the element 32.

It sometimes happens that a matrix will bind or hang upon the exposed end of the right hand lug 38 between said lug and the-star wheel due to the matrix being of excessive thickness or having an irregularity, such as a burr, thereon. In this event, subsequently fed matrices would be prevented from passing through the space and onto the lower rail, However, due to the resilient mounting of the rail 3 I, the binding or hanging of a matrix will force or move the rail 3! to the left until the high point or tooth of the star wheel has passed. As soon as this occurs, the matrix is no longer under tension and will drop onto the lower rail through the space. The tension of the spring 39 will then return the rail 3| to its original or normal position. Thus, matrices may be fed directly upon thelower rail without manipulation by the operator each time a matrix is fed upon said rail. By returning the bridging element to its original or projecting position, the tongue 43 will again be alined with the rail 3| whereby the matrices will be fed upon the upper rail. Whenever ordinary or light face type is being set without mixed type, the entire swinging of the lever 24. In order to returnthe unit to its original or projected position, it is only necessary to rock the lever 45 which will result in the rearward movement of the entire unit.

From the foregoing, it is manifest that a simple, economical upper rail unit has been provided and that the same is adapted to be mounted upon, or incorporated in, any type of duplex rail assembling elevator or assembler. The matrices may be fed onto either the upper or lower rail without excessive manipulation or concentration of the operator, whereby the latter may devote his time to the keyboard. The primary or rail section of the unit is slidable longitudinally relative to the other sections and the bridging element may be moved relative to the other sections. Also, the entire unit may be moved laterally or transversely by manipulation of the levers 24 or 45 to retract and project said entire unit. Since the tongue 43 is only of a width sufficient to accommodate a single matrix, thereis no danger of a matrix accidentally falling to the lower rail upon retraction of the bridging member. Of course, the tension of the star wheel which is imposed upon the composed or assembled matrices is utilized to assure said matrices being moved beyond or past the tongue 43 prior to retraction of the same. Attention is also directed to the fact that matrices may be feddirectly onto the lower rail while the upper rail is supporting other matrices.

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction maybe made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A duplex rail assembling elevator including, a frame, a lower rail mounted on the frame, and a retractile rail unit supported by said frame above the lower rail and adapted to be retracted for completely exposing said lower rail, whereby matrices may be fed directly onto the lower rail,

the unit having an independently-retractile section for exposing a portion of said lower rail so that retraction of the section permits feeding of matrices directly onto the lower rail while said 1 unit supports other matrices, the portion of the .rail unit which supports matrices upon retraction of said'section being movable longitudinally away from said section, whereby said portion may undergo longitudinal movement away from the section upon binding of matrices being fed directly onto the lower rail so as to permit said matrices to fall onto said rail.

2. A duplex rail assembling elevator including, a frame, alower rail mounted on the frame, a retractile rail unit supported by said frame above the lower rail and adapted to be retracted for completely exposing said lower rail, whereby matrices may be fed directl onto the lower rail, the unit having an independently-retractile section for exposing a portion of said lower rail so that retraction of the section permits feeding of matrices directly onto the lower rail while said unit supports other matrices, and resilientlymounted means associated with the rail unit and disposed contiguous to said section so as to be swinging the lever 24' adjacent the portion of the lower rail exposedby the retraction of the section, the means bein movable longitudinally away from said section, whereby binding of matrices being fed directly onto said exposed lower rail portion will be prevented by longitudinal movement of said means away from the section.

3. A duplex rail assembling elevator including, a frame, a lower rail mounted on the frame, and a laterally-movable rail unit carried by said frame above the lower rail and adapted to be moved into and out of matrix-supporting position, the movement of the unit from matrix-supporting position exposing said lower rail for the direct reception of matrices, said unit having an independentlymovable section for exposing a small portion of the lower rail, whereby matrices may be fed di rectly onto said lower rail while previously assembled matrices are supported by the unit upon retraction of the section, said unit including an independent matrix-supporting portion movable longitudinally away from said section and disposed continguous thereto so as to be adjacent the portion of the lower rail exposed by movement of the section, the matrix-supporting portion overlying the remainder of said lower rail and undergoing longitudinal movement away from said section upon being engaged by matrices fed directly onto said exposed lower rail portion to prevent binding of said matrices.

4. A duplex rail assembling elevator including, a frame, a lower rail mounted on the frame, and a laterally-movable rail unit carried by said frame above the lower rail and adapted to be moved into and out of matrix-supporting position, the movement of the unit from matrix-supporting position exposing said lower rail for the direct reoeption of matrices, said unit having an independently-movable section for exposing a small portion of the lower rail, whereby matrices may be fed directly onto said lower rail while previously assembled matrices are supported by the unit upon retraction of the section, the unit including a matrix-supporting portion movable longitudinally away from and disposed contiguous to said section so as to be adjacent the portion of the lower rail exposed by movement of the section, the matrix-supporting portion being resiliently-mounted and overlying the remainder of said lower rail so as to be movable longitudinally away from said section to prevent binding of matrices being fed directly onto said exposed lower rail portion, the resilient mounting of said matrix-supporting portion maintaining and returning the same to its position adjacent the exposed portion of said rail.

5. In combination with a duplex rail assembling elevator having a stationary lower rail, an upper rail unit including, a rail section movable longitudinally of the unit and overlying the lower rail, and an independently-movable bridging section disposed contiguous to the rail section and co-acting therewith to provide an upper support for matrices, the independent movement of the bridging section exposing a portion of said lower rail whereby matrices may be fed directly thereonto, said rail section undergoing longitudinal movement away from said bridging section upon being engaged by matrices fed directly onto the exposed portion of the lower rail and thereby en-- larging said exposed portion to prevent the binding of said matrices.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 including, resilient means associated with the rail seotion for permitting longitudinal movement thereof away from the bridging section and for returning said rail section to its original position adjacent said bridging section.

7. A duplex rail assembling elevator including, a frame, a lower rail mounted on the frame, an upper rail unit carried by said frame and disposed above the lower rail, said unit having a slidable portion for supporting a matrix, and means for sliding said unit portion at substantially right angles to the longitudinal axis of the unit to provide an opening for dropping a single matrix to the lower rail.

8. A duplex rail assembling elevator including, a frame, a lower rail mounted on the frame, an upper rail unit carried by said frame and disposed above the lower rail, said unit having a slidable portion for supporting a matrix, means for sliding said unit portion at substantially right angles to the longitudinalaxis of the unit to provide an opening for dropping a single matrix to the lower rail, the upper rail unit being retraotive for dropping matrices onto the lower rail, and means mounted on the frame separately from said portion-sliding means for retracting the upper rail unit.

HORACE C. WAUSON. WALTER E. BENNETT, JR. 

